JOB OFFER: Real Madrid have contacted Jose Mourinho about taking over at the club

The news will put Manchester United on red alert as Louis van Gaal's future hangs in the balance.

If they want Mourinho to take over at Old Trafford they will have to make a decision on the Dutchman quickly.

The Daily Mirror claims Real president Florentino Perez has made a move for the Portuguese boss to replace Rafa Benitez as soon as possible.

The 50 best footballers in the world in 2015

THE entire STARSPORT website team have cast their votes for the best players in the world this year and the results are in. But who is number one? Enjoy the countdown.

1 / 50

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50. Giorgio Chiellini - The old-school Italian defender never lets strikers forget he is around. One of Juventus’ most important players, the fact he missed the Champions League final through injury proved costly

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FACING THE AXE: Louis van Gaal is expected to lose his job if he loses to Chelsea this evening

Mourinho is said to favour the United job, rather than returning to the Bernabeu where he left under a cloud, before returning to Chelsea.

The 'Special One' is not popular with a lot of Real fans but Perez remains convinced he can be the man to lead the Spanish giants to glory.

Benitez has struggled since being appointed in the summer despite an emphatic 10-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano in their last La Liga outing.

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TIME UP: Rafa Benitez has failed to impress at Real Madrid since taking over in the summer

Despite being axed by Chelsea, Mourinho has made it clear he is ready to return to management immediately, and is not in need of a break.